Ozzy Osbourne is funny apparently. Drug and alcohol abuse makes a great TV experience. With merchandising and exploitation aplenty. So where does that leave this beautiful, sensitive and destructive soul known as Shane MacGowan ? He too has immersed his existence in such a fervour of drug and alcohol abuse which has resulted in massive mental injury and speech afforded a stroke victim. So surely he's next on the list for voyeur giggles.....?
Thankfully, he transcended the tabloid exposure and has been afforded a portrait of his life and sadly none too unique lifestyle, in this haunting and evocative film.
Before witnessing this biopic, I was not a McGowan/Pogues disciple. I was always aware of his life and read the many articles of varying coverage and rented this film to assuage my own growing guilt of drug and alcohol abuse and I was keen to experience this man in regard to own demons.
Narcissism aside, this is a triumph of outsiders looking in. A very sad and beguiling tale of a man riddled with a crippling sensitivity that is exposed through a compilation of interviews with Shane, his partner, band members and admirers, including a very poignant and refreshingly honest Nick Cave including a tapestry of archived clips and footage that paint the picture of the present footing of Shane MacGowan.
Somehow the film, though mired in a dark and brutal avenue, succeeds in elevating Shane and his predicament to a place of inspiration without condoning or encouraging the waste on display.
A Beautiful Gift....